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The release of the 2012 Caymus Cabernet marks the 40th vintage of the Napa Wineries flagship wine. In 1972 Charlie Wagner and his wife Lorna partnered with their then 18 year old son Chuck to form Caymus Vineyards on their Napa Valley ranch. With consistent 90+ scores from Wine Spectator the Caymus Cabernet epitomizes the decadence that has become synonymous with Napa Cabs. During my 2012 visit to Napa and Sonoma for my 40th birthday, I was so impressed with the quality of the wine at Caymus that it was the only place I purchased wine to have shipped home […]

I’ve tasted a lot of wine during my journey as a wine business owner and wine blogger, but being a wine judge for the inaugural Great Northwest Wine Competition was an immersion in wine like I’ve never experienced. I was part of a panel of 4 judges and tasted over 200 wines in a 30 hour period. In total our group of 16 judges tasted and evaluated over 850 wines to determine the Greatest Northwest Wines.

I’ve been told I’m trouble. I wouldn’t classify myself as a troublemaker but I certainly like stirring things up a bit. The Austin Hope Troublemaker blend is my Wine of the Week (#wowwine on twitter). If you’re looking for something that breaks a few rules and creates a bit of trouble. I highly recommend this Rhone(ish) style blend. NV Austin Hope Troublemaker Producer: Austin Hope Region: Paso Robles Cooperage: Multi vintage; older vintages see about 8 months in oak My Suggested Food Pairing: Chopped Lamb Steak With Garlic and Spinach The Troublemaker was a gift from a friend for my […]

It’s pretty rare that I try a wine under $15 that is a must buy, but the 2010 Graffigna Reserve Malbec is now high on my list to have again. Originally sent to me for Malbec Day #malbecday, this wine sat at an old address until just this past weekend. I’ve never been a huge fan of many lower price Argentine Malbec because of their jammy single dimension character but this wine, but this week’s #wowwine (hashtag on Twitter) is a winner. 2010 Graffigna Centerario Reserve Malbec Producer: Graffigna Wines Get Social: Twitter | Facebook Region: Argentina Appellation: San Juan […]

A few weeks back, Ben Hilzinger (aka The Wine Slinger) was rummaging through the pile of un-tasted samples in the basement and said, “Hey, mind if we break open the Smoking Loon Old Vine Zin.” Fresh off my commitment to blog more, I complied. This week’s wine of the week (#wowwine on Twitter) is 2009 Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel. 2009 Smoking Loon Old Vine Zinfandel Producer: Don Sebastiani & Sons Region: California My Suggested Pairing: Sweet & Sticky Baby Back Ribs Price $10 Having had dozens of value California Zinfandel I thought I knew what to expect when I […]